Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) goes to “Alkali Lake” to rediscover his past. Alkali metals are one of the most reactive metals in the periodic table. This is an appropriate name for this base because Stryker (Brian Cox) would experiment on mutants to find which ones would react and submit to him so he “could solve the mutant problem”. Alkali metals give up pieces of themselves to combine with other matter. Similarly, Stryker wanted mutants to submit to him instead of resisting.
Wolverine has an “adamantium skeleton”. This metal is referred to in many mythologies, not only X-Men comics and movies. It comes from a Greek word meaning “untamable”. This is appropriate for Wolverine considering he is very animalistic, territorial, and aggressive.
Adamantium has also been interpreted to mean magnetic. This is also appropriate considering Magneto (Ian McKellen) can manipulate Wolverine’s body at will. However, I also believe this represents his attraction to other mutants. While he professes to not want their company, he always comes back and, even in the end, chooses mutants over “answers”.
Colossus (Daniel Cudmore) is another man of metal in this movie. He can change his skin into an iron/steel type metal. Iron and steel have both been used to make everything from household devices to weapons. The weapons part is ironic because Colossus is described as selfless and willing to put the safety of others above his own. He demonstrates this multiple times when helping the kids escape the mansion.
Another bit of irony is when Stryker gets chained to the wall before the flood. He claims to manipulate metal successfully; however, a few links of rusted chains can keep him subdued, even at the approach of his death. The rust represents aging and lack of dedication to maintaining. Therefore, Stryker has neglected his enterprise to the point that it ends up killing him.
The metals associated with the different mutants and people in this film indicate their personalities. These metals could, especially, be used as metaphors for the characters in question.
Because a vast majority of this blog focused on Wolverine, I think it is fair to get another analysis of him. To some, he represents what it takes to be a man as a young boy.
X-Men will always be an inspiration for those considered “different” in society. Considering this movie and others from a disabled child’s point of view can be eye-opening and uplifting.
Thanks for reading! See you next week!